Come prepared!
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A
little pre-planning will make your community centre check-in even easier
As the City of Vaughan follows the Province of Ontario’s regulation and guidance
on proof of vaccination and Dr. Karim Kurji’s Letter
of Instruction
for visitors to community centres, patrons are reminded that a little
pre-planning can make their check-in even easier.
Come prepared! Be ready to show proof of vaccination and proof of
identification at the designated entrance. Please be patient and arrive early –
at least 15 minutes in advance – to avoid being late for a workout or program.
City staff are doing their best to make this check-in as seamless as possible.
The following proof of
vaccination is acceptable –
- The paper receipt given on site at the time of vaccination. The receipt includes key information about the vaccination event including the individual’s name, date of vaccination and product name of the vaccine received (i.e., Pfizer, Moderna, etc.).
- The email version of the paper receipt sent to the address provided by the vaccine recipient for the person’s records. This would be a PDF.
- A downloaded or printed copy of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt obtained through the COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
All versions of the
receipt that show the individual to be fully vaccinated (which means they have
received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as required, plus 14 days) are
acceptable as proof of vaccination.
The following proof of
identification is acceptable for those aged 18 and older (note, photo ID is not
required) –
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship card
- Driver’s licence
- Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
- Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
- Passport
- Permanent Resident card
The following proof of
identification is acceptable for those aged 12-17:
- Documentation issued by an institution or public body provided it includes their name and date of birth
- Examples include:
- Health card
- Library card
- Student ID
The following
exemptions are in effect –
Proof of vaccination is
not required for the following:
- Children under the age of 12
- Individuals with a medical exemption
Individuals with a medical exemption are required to present identification and
appropriate written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse
stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for
the medical reason.
The City is
following the Provincial regulation and Regional instruction regarding
exemptions to proof of vaccination requirements. If you have a concern about
the regulation, please contact vaccination@vaughan.ca.
Here are answers to
some of the mostly commonly asked questions on this topic –
Whom should I contact to voice my concerns about the proof of
vaccination requirements?
Should you any questions or comments about the regulation set by
the Ontario government, please speak with your Member of Provincial Parliament
(MPP). If you do not know who your MPP is, please contact Elections
Ontario to confirm your representative. Should you have any questions
about York Region’s instructions, please
contact York Region Public Health at yr.corporate.communications@york.ca.
What will happen if an
unvaccinated youth (aged 12-17) arrives for an organized sport in October?
The
City will spend this month focused on communication and education related to
York Region’s Letter of Instruction, with escalated measures, including
enforcement, to follow. The youth participating in organized sport will not be
denied entry at this time.
Why are
vaccines required for indoor activities?
The proof
of vaccination regulation for indoor activities is required by the Province of
Ontario and York Region. In a news release, the Province explains the reason
for the vaccination requirement as follows: “Requiring proof of vaccination
will help increase vaccination rates, protect individuals in higher-risk indoor
settings, and keep businesses open.” For more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000807/ontario-releasing-guidance-to-support-proof-of-vaccination-policy
How will parents who are not vaccinated
attend to their children coming for City-run programs?
Parents
or guardians who do not meet the vaccination requirements for entering a
community centre – as set out by the Province of Ontario and York Region – will
not be able to enter. If you are unable to enter the facility due to
vaccination status, City staff will meet your child at the entrance and walk them
to their City-run program room. Please be prepared to provide identification
when picking up your child at the same location as drop-off.
Do I have to wear a
mask if I’m fully vaccinated?
Yes! Masks are
mandatory when entering, exiting and travelling throughout the facility, and
while watching and/or waiting for participants in programs. Masks must be worn
while participating in programs, except during physical activity.
Is proof of vaccination
required to visit Vaughan Public Libraries?
No.
The Province’s
regulation and guidance on proof of vaccination does not apply to
libraries. Customers can browse Vaughan Public Libraries’ physical collection,
access on-site study and reading spaces, and use public computers. Visitors are
reminded to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines, including
physically distancing at least six feet (two metres) from others, wearing a
mask or face covering, and thoroughly washing and sanitizing hands. Please
note: Maple Library remains closed due to renovations.
What does it mean to be
fully vaccinated?
An individual is
considered fully vaccinated if they have received:
- two doses using Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca (including CoviShield) in any combination (the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada).
- one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada.
- three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada.
Find out what vaccines
are authorized by Health Canada. Individuals must receive their final dose of the COVID-19
vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.
What is the refund policy for City-operated recreation
programs and swim lessons?
If your child is unable to meet the vaccination
requirement a full refund, without penalty, will be honoured. To withdraw your
child from their existing program and request a refund or credit to your
account, email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.
Full refunds will be processed back onto the original
form of payment (i.e., credit card) within three to four business days.
We anticipate email and phone wait times may be
extended; your patience is appreciated. To make the process easier, please
include the following information in your email request for refund:
- main email address on your online registration account
- name of the program participant being withdrawn
- name of the program
Those who feel unwell
and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region
Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's
website at york.ca/COVID19.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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